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Automotive Technician
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Engineering and technological advances in the automotive industry have created a strong demand for highly skilled auto technicians. The Automotive Technician program at Southwest Tech is certified by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) and is designed to prepare the student for an entry level position in this industry.
First year students are trained in proper maintenance practices, including engine, cooling, and steering and suspension. Electrical system service and testing, drivetrain, manual transmission and engine repair procedures are also covered. Emphasis is placed on the development of safe work habits, efficiency, and problem solving skills through out the program.
Second year students are trained to service air conditioning, drivetrain service, brakes, automatic transmissions, fuel, emission and ignition systems. They work with the latest diagnostic test equipment to develop efficient and reliable diagnostic and repair techniques needed to service and repair today’s automobiles.
Career Opportunities
Employment potential includes:
- Auto Technician: Diagnoses problems, replaces parts or performs adjustments on automobiles for an auto dealership or independent repair facility.
- Auto Specialist: Works in a specialized area such as engine repair, electrical, brakes, wheel alignment, tune-up, air-conditioning or transmission repair.
- Parts Specialist: Work in a larger shop or parts distribution business processing and dispensing parts for automobiles.
- Service Manager: Meets customers and works with the technicians to help diagnose and locate vehicle trouble areas, and supervises shop activities.
Is This Occupation for You?
Students entering the Automotive Technician program should:
- Be mechanically inclined.
- Have good reading and math skills.
- Be able to get along with other people.
- Think logically.
- Pay attention to details.
- Be able to lift 50 pounds.
Helpful Academic Background
- Math, applied physics, and technical education courses.
- Good reading comprehension skills
- Youth Apprenticeship (up to 6 credits of advanced standing)
Program Outcomes
At the completion of this program, graduates will be able to:
- Service brake systems.
- Service electrical/electronic systems.
- Perform engine performance service.
- Service steering and suspension systems.
- Service automatic transmissions and transaxles.
- Perform engine repair service.
- Service heating and air conditioning systems.
- Service manual drive trains and axles.
- Exhibits a level of professionalism appropriate to an entry level technician .
Program Basics
- Technical diploma, requiring a minimum of two years to complete.
- Day classes.
- High school articulation courses accepted.
- Financial aid available.
- Classes start in August.
- ASE Master Certified program.
Program Admission Requirements
- Complete required assessment testing.
- Complete the application form.
- Interview with counselor.
- Pay a $30 nonrefundable application fee.
- Submit high school and any post-secondary transcripts.
- Students may re-apply to be admitted to a program for which they initially do not meet the Student Academic Achievement Plan (SAAP) criteria after they follow the additional courses and alternate program sequence prescibed for them.
Program Fees
Please contact Student Services at 800.362.3322, Ext. 2354, or email student-services@swtc.edu for current fee information.
A Program Fee list is provided (please note the costs are approximate and based on the current academic year).
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